damecurry wrote:Someone really needs ro help me out with the evaluation of booker as an elite asset. Hes not a great defender and doesnt project as one and he shot like 35% on 3s right? What am i missing? Jokic was one of the best players in the league by most metrics, he has elite offensive ability, the versatility to play 4 or 5 while bookers a straight two, they are not comparable in my mind. And denver easily crushes phoenix in almost all other compa and just has more guys, this really isnt a discussion in my mind.
You should watch more Booker's games from last year. I know that these kind of comments are frown upon here, but this is really the only way to realize what a great talent Devin Booker really is. When you look at his stats they aren't that impressive, but you have to remember that he was the youngest player in the league last year. Booker in his final game of his 2nd season in the league will still be younger than Jokic on his NBA debut. It makes a huge difference at this young age. Booker also had to shoulder a much bigger responsibility than Jokic in their rookie seasons. It was also a completely new role for him.
Considering the circumstances (young age, new role, very little talent around him, coaching changes etc.) he showed great promise during his rookie season, much more than you would think just by looking at his stats. And even then you can find some stats that show that he's an elite talent.
- 4th youngest player to reach 1,000 career points (following LeBron, Durant, Kobe),
- 3rd youngest player in NBA history to score 30 points (LeBron, Durant),
- 2nd teenager in NBA history with back-to-back 30+ point games (LeBron),
- 5th youngest player in NBA history to record a double-double (LeBron, Bynum, Giannis, MKG),
- 2nd youngest player in NBA history to record a points-assists double-double (LeBron),
- 2nd youngest player in NBA history with multiple points-assists double-doubles (LeBron),
- the youngest player in NBA history to make 6+ 3-pointers in a game,
- the youngest player to participate in a three-point contest, where he finished 3rd only behind Klay and Curry.